Distance from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

The distance from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda covers about 164.4 kilometers. This drive usually takes around 4 hours and 20 minutes to reach the main gorilla trekking sectors: Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Buhoma. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in southwestern Uganda and spreads across three districts: Kisoro, Kabale, and Kanungu. The park is part of the Albertine Rift, a section of the East African Rift Valley. The elevation here varies from 1,160 meters to 2,607 meters above sea level.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park was established in 1991 and covers an area of 331 square kilometers (about 128 square miles). The park is best known for being home to about 459 mountain gorillas, which is roughly half of the world’s total population. Several of these gorilla groups have been habituated, meaning they are used to human presence and can be tracked by visitors.

Bwindi is not just famous for gorillas—it is a biologically rich forest that shelters over 120 different types of mammals. This includes primates like baboons and chimpanzees, as well as other animals like elephants and antelopes. Bird lovers will also be excited, as around 350 bird species live in the forest, 23 of which are Albertine Rift endemics (species that are only found in this region).

In addition, Bwindi is home to at least 200 species of butterflies, including eight that are only found in the Albertine Rift. The park is also a haven for various reptiles, adding to its incredible biodiversity.

Two of the main towns near the park, Buhoma and Nkuringo, offer a variety of accommodation options for tourists. You’ll find everything from luxury lodges to rustic bandas (small huts) and budget campsites. There are also restaurants, craft stalls, and guiding services available. Visitors can explore the local culture by interacting with the Bakiga and Batwa (Pygmy) communities. You can enjoy cultural performances, join workshops, or take part in village walks to learn more about these traditional groups.

Entry Fees for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The entry fees to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park depend on your status:

• Foreign Non-Residents (FNR) pay $40 per person.
• Foreign Residents (FR) pay $30 per person.
• East African Citizens (EAC) pay UGX 20,000 (Ugandan Shillings).

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The minimum age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years, and the maximum age is generally 85 years. However, the upper age limit depends on your fitness level. Elderly visitors who might struggle to walk through the forest can still enjoy gorilla trekking thanks to sedan chairs. These chairs are used to carry people who are not fit enough to walk. A team of porters will carry you to and from the forest. You can arrange to hire a sedan chair in advance or on the day of your trek, with prices ranging from $400 to $500.

Cost and Getting Gorilla Permits in Uganda

To trek gorillas in Uganda, you need a permit. The cost of a gorilla permit varies depending on your residency status:

• Foreign Non-Residents pay $800 per person for a permit.
• Foreign Residents pay $700 per person.
• East African Citizens pay UGX 300,000.

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla groups, with 16 of these located in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga. This means that Uganda issues a total of 136 gorilla permits every day.

For those who want to spend more time with the gorillas, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest. This special permit costs $1,500 per person and allows you to spend 4 hours with a semi-habituated group of gorillas. During this experience, you’ll be accompanied by trackers and researchers, giving you a deeper understanding of gorilla behavior. In comparison, regular trekking permits only allow for a one-hour encounter.

You can get a gorilla permit directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a trusted tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris.

Best Time for a Gorilla Trip in Uganda from Kigali

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is available all year round, but the best time to go is during the drier months. These months are January, February, June, July, August, and early September. During the dry season, the weather is more favorable for travel, and it is easier to trek through the forest. The vegetation is also less dense, giving you a better view of the gorillas.

Most visitors coming from Kigali can easily trek gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Many prefer this route as it is shorter than driving from Kampala, Uganda’s capital.